“In 2023 alone, a total of 1 569 cases of vandalism and
theft were reported, and of these cases, 172 arrests were made and 33 cases
were convicted. We urge all stakeholders to join forces to protect electrical
infrastructure,” the power utility said in a statement yesterday.
Last week, two men were arrested in Odzi for vandalising a
transformer in Vumba, plunging the area into darkness. The suspects have since
appeared in court.“Accordingly, as at the end of last week, the utility had
managed to source the critical materials to re-power the affected areas. We
have initiated the commencement of the works and a continuous wayleave
clearance to help reduce damages due to faults and customers are advised to
expect restoration of service by mid next week,” the utility said.
“Vandalism has become a menace, and the utility is battling
to keep up with the replacement of stolen power lines and
transformers.”Zimbabwe is presently enduring prolonged power cuts which have
been blamed on vandalism and theft.
The company said it was losing millions of dollars annually
through theft and vandalism of its infrastructure as thieves target copper
cables and transformers from which they drain oil.
Despite the offence attracting a 10-year jail sentence,
authorities said this was not deterring the vand
als.Newsday
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